Summary

Kentucky SB 61 (Open States or Kentucky Legislature) establishes a program to give public school students the option to graduate from high school early and qualify for an early graduation scholarship that may be used at a Kentucky community college, technical college, four year public university, or four year private, non-profit university.

Legislative Analysis

Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, SB 61 establishes a program to allow public school students to complete an early high school graduation program and qualify for an Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate for use at a Kentucky public two year community or technical college or a Kentucky four year public or non-profit, independent institution that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, under specified conditions.

In order to qualify for the program, students must obtain qualifying scores on the Kentucky end-of-course exams required by the high school achievement portion of the state’s accountability system, complete the requirements set by the state Board of Education, and achieve at or above benchmarked scores on the ACT exam.

Students pursuing early graduation may take two high school English courses in one year, complete certain courses such as English I and Algebra I at the middle school level, and may take courses on-line, provided the district provides access.

Students who qualify for the Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate will be eligible for a scholarship to be used only during the next academic year that is valued at half the state portion of the average statewide per pupil guaranteed base funding level. Their school district will receive the other half of the funding. Students graduating early may also be eligible for the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship award.

SB 61 also establishes an Early Graduation Scholarship Trust Fund to be used for the scholarship awards. It directs the General Assembly to annually allocate funds equal to half the state portion of the average statewide per pupil guaranteed base funding level for each student who graduated early under this program the previous school year to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority for deposit in this trust fund.

This legislation presents an opportunity for students to move through curriculum at an accelerated pace, graduate early, and receive a scholarship for college. Digital learning resources such as on-line courses can be beneficial for students participating in this type of program.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Steve Beshear on 3/22/2013